Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Going to the dentist can feel like a big deal for kids. The bright lights, new faces, and unfamiliar sounds are enough to make even the bravest little ones nervous. But with the right support at home and a caring dental team, most children quickly learn that visiting the dentist is nothing to be afraid of.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
Table of Contents
What Causes Dental Anxiety in Children?
Dental anxiety can show up for many reasons. For some kids, it’s simply the fear of something new. The bright lights, new sounds, and unfamiliar tools can feel a little intimidating at first.
Some children may remember a past visit that felt uncomfortable, while others pick up on a parent’s own worry. And sometimes, it just comes down to personality. Some kids are naturally more sensitive to new environments.
Knowing what’s behind your child’s fear makes it easier to help them feel calm, supported, and ready for their next visit.
How Parents Can Help
While the dental team plays a big role in easing anxiety, parents are often the biggest influence on how children feel about their visit. The way you talk about the dentist, prepare at home, and support your child during the appointment can make all the difference.
Here are some simple ways you can prepare them for their visit:
- Use positive words: Tell your child the dentist will count their teeth or paint them with fluoride. Avoid words like hurt, shot, or drill, which may trigger fear.
- Start early and make it routine: Schedule the first dental visit by age one or when the first tooth comes in. Regular checkups help kids see the dentist as a normal part of life.
- Practice at home: Play pretend dentist with a favorite stuffed animal. Count teeth together or read children’s books about visiting the dentist.
- Bring comfort items: A favorite blanket, toy, or stuffed animal can provide reassurance during the appointment.
- Try distractions: Music, cartoons, or simply counting together can help shift focus away from fear.
- Model calm behavior: Children look to their parents for cues. A calm tone, relaxed body language, and a smile go a long way.
What Our Dentists Do to Ease Anxiety
Our dental team is specially trained to help children feel safe and understood. They use a variety of gentle techniques to build trust and reduce fear:
- Tell-Show-Do: The dentist explains what will happen in simple words, shows the instrument they will use, and then gently does the procedure.
- Gentle guidance: Instead of rushing, the dentist moves at the child’s pace, using a calm voice and encouraging words. Sometimes this means breaking a treatment into shorter visits so the child can gradually gain confidence.
- Positive reinforcement: We praise small successes, like opening wide or sitting still.
- Parental support: Depending on the child’s age and comfort, parents may be invited to stay in the room for reassurance or step out if the child responds better independently.
These methods work together to create a calm environment where kids can learn that dental visits aren’t scary. In fact, they can even be fun!
When Sedation Dentistry May Be Needed
Most children can complete dental visits with reassurance and gentle guidance, but sedation may be recommended in certain cases, such as:
- Very young children who cannot yet follow instructions
- Children with special health needs
- Kids with severe anxiety who cannot otherwise receive care
- Complex or lengthy procedures that cannot be broken up
Sedation is always used with careful monitoring and strict safety standards. The goal is to help every child receive the care they need in the safest, most comfortable way possible.
Trusted by Denver Families for Generations
Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics has been part of the Denver community for many years, caring for generations of families across our four locations.
Parents appreciate our gentle, kid-friendly approach and the way we make every visit positive and stress-free. From first checkups to orthodontic care, we are proud to be a dental home families can count on.
Building Confidence, One Visit at a Time
Helping your child overcome dental anxiety starts with patience, preparation, and the right dental team. At Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on behavior-first approaches that teach children to feel safe and confident at every appointment.
Contact Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at any of our locations.
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQs
How can I tell if my child has dental anxiety?
You might notice your child becoming quiet, tearful, or resistant when it is time for a dental visit. Some kids complain of stomachaches or cling more than usual. These are all normal signs of anxiety that usually improve with positive experiences.
Should I tell my child about the appointment in advance?
Yes, but keep it simple. Let them know they will visit the dentist to help keep their teeth strong and healthy. Avoid giving too many details that might cause worry.
What if my child cries during the visit?
Crying is a natural way for kids to express fear or uncertainty. Our team is trained to stay calm and supportive, helping your child work through their emotions at their own pace.
Can dental anxiety return after a good visit?
Sometimes, especially if it has been a while between appointments. Keeping visits regular helps your child remember that the dentist is a safe and friendly place.
What can parents do after the appointment to help?
Praise your child for their bravery and talk about what went well. A small reward, like a trip to the park or picking out a new toothbrush, helps reinforce positive feelings about dental care.
Is there a dentist near me that is good with kids?
Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics has been serving families in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden for many years. Our team provides gentle, child-focused care to help every visit feel positive and comfortable.
